Family Fair proves to be a hot attraction

By Julie Pierce on July 8, 2013

What a scorcher of a Fourth of July we had! Clayton’s Fourth is always the best, but this time it was one of the hottest, too. But no matter the heat, we can always count on our Clayton folks to make it a great day.

Speaking of great local folks, I want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Clayton’s own Emma Hall, 15, on the outstanding job she did organizing and running our Clayton Family Fair and Picnic on Saturday, June 29. You’ll see some of the pictures of the fun events posted here in the Pioneer (page 3). For the hardy people who volunteered to help and those who came to participate on one of the hottest days of the year, thank you!

Emma created this event as her Girl Scout Gold Award project and did it all with a smile on her face every minute – what an inspiration she is. If she’s an example of our future leaders, we’re in great shape.

This event was created as a substitute for the New Year’s Eve Clayton Counts Down, which had been experiencing dwindling attendance due to unpredictable winter weather and lower numbers of young children living in Clayton.

Lots of youngsters had fun with the games and activities – how many times can you hula-hoop? How big a bubble can you make? The scouts of Troop 262 had an orienteering course. There was also musical entertainment and numerous game and activity booths. The star attraction was the Clayton Bikes Stunt Team, who put on a thrilling show.

Our Clayton CERT was there, too, and trained 24 people in hands-only CPR and how to use an AED (defibrillator). We are well on our way to being designated a Heart-Safe community. For those of you who would prefer to learn these skills in an air-conditioned room, CERT is offering another training session next Wednesday, July 17 at 7 p.m. at the Clayton Library. Come on down – it’s free!

Injury update

Many of you have shared your concern and asked about the condition of the local man badly injured in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago. Mark T. was in critical condition for some time, but is now stable. He will need a lot of rehab and it’s going to take time, so many of his co-workers are donating their vacation time to him. It’s also going to be expensive, so his family has set up a website where folks can send Mark and his family messages of hope or make a donation to help him with his recovery. That website is youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/teammarkt/70184. Let’s rally some big support from our generous Clayton community.

I hope you are having a fabulous summer. I’ll see you at the concerts, and please be safe out there!